dependent

or de·pend·ant

[ dih-pen-duhnt ]

adjective

1. relying on someone or something else for aid, support, etc.
2. conditioned or determined by something else; contingent:

   Our trip is dependent on the weather.

3. subordinate; subject:

   a dependent territory.

4. Grammar. not used in isolation; used only in connection with other forms. In I walked out when the bell rang, when the bell rang is a dependent clause. Compare independent ( def 14 ), main ¹( def 4 ).
5. hanging down; pendent.
6. Mathematics.
   1. (of a variable) having values determined by one or more independent variables.
   2. (of an equation) having solutions that are identical to those of another equation or to those of a set of equations.
7. Statistics. (of an event or a value) not statistically independent.

noun

1. a person who depends on or needs someone or something for aid, support, favor, etc.
2. a child, spouse, parent, or certain other relative to whom one contributes all or a major amount of necessary financial support:

   She listed two dependents on her income-tax form.

3. Archaic. a subordinate part.

dependent

/ dɪˈpɛndənt /

adjective

1. depending on a person or thing for aid, support, life, etc
2. postpositive; foll by on or upon influenced or conditioned (by); contingent (on)
3. subordinate; subject

   a dependent prince

4. obsolete.
   hanging down
5. maths
   1. (of a variable) having a value depending on that assumed by a related independent variable
   2. (of a linear equation) having every solution as a solution of one or more given linear equations

noun

1. grammar an element in a phrase or clause that is not the governor
2. a variant spelling (esp US) of dependant

Usage

See dependant

Derived Forms

• deˈpendently, adverb

Other Words From

• de·pendent·ly de·pendant·ly adverb
• over·de·pendent adjective
• prede·pendent adjective
• quasi-de·pendent adjective
• quasi-de·pendent·ly adverb
• self-de·pendent adjective
• self-de·pendent·ly adverb
• semi·de·pendent adjective
• semi·de·pendent·ly adverb
• unde·pendent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dependent¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, dependent is from the late Middle English word dependaunt. See depend, -ent

Example Sentences

Access to NHS fertility services is also dependent on other criteria, such as health, age, those with children from a previous relationship amongst others.

From BBC

Even uncertainty over such possibilities can cause havoc in financial markets and raise fears of higher prices, as well as disruptions to vital businesses dependent particularly on Mexico and the Pacific Rim.

From Los Angeles Times

Arid nations in the Middle East and North Africa are currently the world’s most import dependent, with 11 of the 16 nations importing most of their staple grains.

From Science Magazine

Jan. 6 radicalized the GOP, accelerating its transformation into an entity dependent on lying, corruption, and the threat and reality of violence against internal enemies.

From Salon

The imported worker is dependent upon the employer for food, housing and safe working conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defenseless
• poor
• reliant
• vulnerable